This policy outlines the policy of the Bureau of Buildings concerning the approval of permanent electrical power to new one and two family dwellings

Bureau Policy:

Prior to the date of this policy, the bureau required all new one and two family dwellings to be secured from unauthorized entry before the City would approve permanent power. This meant that all exterior door openings, including the garage needed to be installed before approval. The purpose of this requirement was to protect the public (especially children) from the risk posed by open, energized panels and electrical outlet boxes, etc. inside the building.

Contractors argued that this requirement was overly restrictive and asked us to review the policy to see if alternatives were possible. As a result, the bureau developed the following. new 'policy concerning our approval of permanent service to. one and two family dwellings.

Policy:

A. Certified "A" level and CAB0 electrical inspectors are authorized to approve the permanent electrical hook up to one and two family dwellings

if the following conditions are met:

1. The service panel cover shall be fixed in place on all panels at all times, after being energized.

2. All circuit breakers or fuses on circuits that are in use shall be complete and labeled.

3. Circuit breakers on circuits that are not in use shall be in the OFF position.

Alternatively, the contractor can elect to follow the policy of securing the building f ram unauthorized entry.

B. The general contractor will be responsible for assuring that these conditions are met unless the homeowner is the permittee, in which case the homeowner will be responsible.

HISTORY

Filed by Bureau of Development Services for inclusion in PPD September 29, 2004.

Originally published as Bureau of Buildings Procedure No. B-1-26 dated September 13, 1993.